Scientists believe they have created a breakthrough pill which can treat the
common cold.

Hundreds of British volunteers are currently testing the drug which could clear up the sniffles within hours and prevent life-threatening infections in asthma and cystic-fibrosis sufferers.

Trial results will be released next April and if successful the medication could be on the market within five years.

The drug - known as BTA798 - works by latching onto the cold-causing rhinovirus to prevent it breaking into the body's cells.

Peter Cook, Chief Executive of Victoria based drug development company Biota said: "This could be the world's first anti-viral treatment for the human rhinovirus. A safe and effective treatment for the virus will be a major breakthrough."

Although the company is initially likely to market the drug at chronically ill patients whose conditions are made worse by colds, experts are predicting it would soon hit the mass market.